BOLTON Shopmobility has established a thriving new enterprise which is serving the needs of disabled people in the town.

Unemployed people with a disability who are seeking to improve their work skills and move back into mainstream employment are running a wheelchair/scooter repair workshop.

They receive support and guidance from professional staff who are managing the project. Euro MP Gary Titley and Bolton South-east MP Brian Iddon met some of the 10 part-time staff involved during a visit to the workshop at the Bolton Enterprise Centre in Washington Street, Deane.

Cash is being sought from the National Lotteries Community Fund and the European Regional Development Fund to help the project continue beyond December. Mr Richard Riding, project manager, Bolton Shopmobility, said: "A growing number of scooter and wheelchair owners are discovering the benefits of using the workshop for their servicing and repair needs.

"One of these is the low cost involved as the project is non-profit making and charges the lowest possible price for work carried out."